Will Fly For Food Pilot Forums: Leewenhooke - Viewing Profile

Have you had any communication with Four Star lately? Two of my friends who got their DC-3 type ratings from Dan Gryder were flying with him at the Columbus air show this past weekend. I was thinking about doing my ATP in conjunction with his type course and hitting up those guys at Four Star. Any info would be appreciated. Also, have you hit up Trans-Northern in Alaska? They operate DC-3's and might be interested in hearing from you once you hit ATP minimums.

Thanks for getting back. I've joined Civil Air Patrol to get some more time and am lining up some dual given through those guys to work towards my ATP. I have a feeling that when the industry gets on its upswing that ATP will be the new ground floor. (or at least ATP written completed) I'll keep on chugging and get those multi hours up. Currently in West Palm on a Super Bowl trip, so I shouldn't be bitching. Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know how it turns out.

I'll second all that. I've been at it for about 6 months and you wouldn't believe all the "non-flying" stuff I get roped into doing.

We get treated well on the road and are friends with the owners as opposed to flying a bunch of ungrateful strangers. If a month goes by and no one needs to go anywhere, you just don't have to go to work for a month. On the other hand, if we have to fly every day for 30 days in a row, there's no duty day restrictions to protect you.

The thing I hear often from flight department heads is that they are reluctant to hire 121 guys due to their unwillingness to do all the side work. EVERYTHING is on you. Flight planning, maintenance coordination, cars, catering, cleaning the hanger/plane/lav, the owner's wife's yappy dog, etc. If you want to make a good impression on a potential employer, you need to stress your willingness to do humiliating crap in order to work there.

Good luck!